Hospitality leaders from across the region will gather for the red-carpet gala ceremony on 6th October 2018 to see who amongst them has been voted the best in the business.

Enviably located moments from Durban Beachfront, the award-winning Durban ICC is a state-of-the-art events and entertainment venue.

It will be WTA’s third visit to Durban ICC, having hosted ceremonies in 2008 and 2009.

Graham Cooke, Founder and President, WTA, said: “It will be an absolute pleasure to return to Durban for the first time since 2009. With its beautiful beaches and fascinating Afro-Indian culture, Durban is one of South Africa’s essential destinations.

“We are honoured to partner with the Durban ICC. Opened by Nelson Mandela in 1997, this incredible facility has successfully staged some of the world’s most prestigious events. I look forward to welcoming all of our nominees here in October, as part of our silver anniversary celebrations.

“WTA has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 25 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality business.”

“We are all looking forward to welcoming our industry colleagues, friends and media from around the world. We are ready to give all our special visitors a warm and unforgettable Durban experience.”

Durban ‘The Warmest Place to Be’ is a natural paradise known for its gorgeous coastline of sun-kissed beaches and subtropical climate, situated on the eastern seaboard of Africa around one of its busiest ports. Hilton Durban is an iconic landmark hotel in the city, offering superior accommodations in a supreme location near the Durban International Convention Centre. All rooms offer panoramic views of the city or the Natal coastline, with easy access to Durban’s beaches and central business district, perfect for meetings or events. Preferential rates at Hilton Durban will be available to all WTA attendees.

As part of the Grand Tour 2018, WTA is also hosting ceremonies in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), Athens (Greece), Hong Kong, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Jamaica, with the winners progressing to the Grand Final in Lisbon (Portugal).

Voting for the WTA Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony opens on 26th March and concludes on 19th August 2018.

Notes to Editors

About World Travel Awards

WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

WTA gala ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.